Dodge Caliber MOT Failures
An analysis of 23,532 real DVSA MOT tests on the Dodge Caliber — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: PM (2006–2012).
Where the Dodge Caliber fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Dodge Caliber is suspension ball joints worn — this model is 216 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it an extreme outlier for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 23,532 MOT tests, 5.66% of all Dodge Caliber tests recorded this as a failure.
Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.
Other notable weak points include seat mounting fault (45x the fleet average), electrical wiring fault (17x the fleet average), subframe bushes or mounts worn (12x the fleet average), and structural corrosion (30x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Dodge Caliber's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Suspension, Seatbelts & Airbags, Lights & Electrics, Bodywork, Brakes. If you're inspecting a Dodge Caliber before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Dodge Caliber's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Dodge Caliber specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension ball joints worn (216x the average) and seat mounting fault (45x). structural corrosion (30x) and brake hoses perished or damaged (16x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Dodge Caliber specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension ball joints worn (112x the average) and seat mounting fault (25x). abs fault (17x) and suspension pin, bush or joint worn (17x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Dodge Caliber specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension ball joints worn (36x the average) and seat mounting fault (14x). brake pedal anti-slip provision missing, loose ... (11x) and free play in the steering, measured at the rim ... (11x) also appear frequently.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Dodge Caliber specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Subframe mounting point corrosion (PM) Dangerous
The Caliber suffers from severe corrosion at subframe and suspension mounting points, particularly around the rear subframe where it attaches to the body shell. Affects PM; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,500.
Front suspension component wear (PM) Major
The Caliber exhibits exceptionally high rates of front suspension wear, particularly bushes, ball joints, and associated components. Affects PM; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£800.
Front ball joint wear (PM) Major
Ball joint wear is a specific and severe problem on the Caliber, with MOT data showing failures at 11.8 times the fleet average. Affects PM; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
Brake hose ferrule corrosion (PM) Major
The Caliber suffers from premature corrosion of brake hose ferrules - the metal end fittings where flexible brake hoses connect to brake calipers and brake lines. Affects PM; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£300.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Dodge Caliber common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Dodge Caliber
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Dodge Caliber:
Suspension — check for suspension ball joints worn, subframe bushes or mounts worn, suspension component damaged or corroded, suspension pin, bush or joint worn. Seatbelts & Airbags — check for seat mounting fault. Lights & Electrics — check for electrical wiring fault.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about subframe mounting point corrosion and front suspension component wear. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £800. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Dodge Caliber?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Dodge Caliber MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Dodge Caliber?
Based on 23,532 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is suspension ball joints worn — at 216x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include seat mounting fault and electrical wiring fault.
Is the Dodge Caliber reliable based on MOT data?
The Dodge Caliber has 16 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag subframe mounting point corrosion as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Dodge Caliber most commonly fails on suspension ball joints worn and seat mounting fault. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are suspension ball joints worn and seat mounting fault.
How do I check a Dodge Caliber's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.